Players from Sheffield United’s Academy took on a very different role for a recent trip to the Bluebell Wood Hospice to support the Christmas activities taking place there for children.
Jake Eyre, Kyle Scarisbrick, Ben Whiteman, Elliot Ptak and Gareth Owen all part of the Blades Under 18 squad, joined in the interactive pantomime which had been organised for children and parents.
The families went on a journey through Bluebell Wood to the North Pole where they met with Santa and his special helpers, the Blades teenagers (dressed as elves), who welcomed the children and then had the task of helping give out gifts.
The players chatted with children, parents and staff and were delighted to get in to the Christmas spirit and take part in the drama which had been planned by volunteer Sarah Brackenbury.
The players have also recently been involved in a triathlon to raise money for a number of local charities including Bluebell Wood.
“It was a privilege to visit and help out,” said Eyre.
“The lads all enjoyed it. I was part of the group who had been involved with fund raising for the hospice so it meant a lot to me to show my support in this way,” added Eyre.
Gail Parkin, Fundraiser at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice said: “It was great to have the players visit us here at the hospice and get involved with our Christmas pantomime.
“Everyone had a fabulous time and we’d like to thank the Academy for all their support with our festivities and in their fundraising efforts which will help us to support more local children with a shortened life expectancy.”
Sheffield United’s Dave McCarthy (Operations Director) and Sue Beeley (Training and Development Manager) joined their players at the event and Beeley added;
“The lads were a credit to the club and it was great to see them get so involved in the day. Everyone at the hospice commented on how well they had conducted themselves and what fantastic representatives of Sheffield United they were. I was very proud of them.”
